Electrically operated football game



umzoE 2 Sheets-Sheet l March 3, 1964 N. PECKHAM ELECTRICALLY OPERATEDFOOTBALL GAME Filed June 7, 1962 MQFMAE as NEIL PECKHAM INVENTOR.

BY j

ATTORNEY March 3, 1964 N. PECKHAM 3,123,360

ELECTRICALLY OPERATED FOOTBALL GAME Filed June 7, 1962 2 Sheets-Sheet 2FIGURE 2 19 2e 24 25 27 15 1s &L V W A L, 'F g 14 3s 2% 2o 21 g FIGURE 3L 19 27 NEIL. PECKHAM 27'-+ INVENTOR.

{7/ /J v BY aa awy 4 ATTORNEY United States Patent 3,123,360ELECTRICALLY OPERATED FOOTBALL GAME Neil Peckham, 5227 Pensdale, Houston33, Tex. Filed June 7, 1962, Ser. No. 200,712 Claims. (Cl. 273-94) Thepresent invention relates to games, in particular games involving therelative advancement of an offensive team or group towards a goaldefended by a defensive team, and vice versa. It is described anddetailed herein with respect to a football game, but, as will beapparent, is equally applicable to other games such as basketball,soccer, etc., and to non-athletic games such as war games, peace games,etc.

There are a number of games available to simulate football and similarathletic encounters, but none comparable to and having the simplicity ofthe structure described herein. Thus it is old to use a moving playermounted on a magnet with poles extending'their fields either parallel tothe surface of the playing field, as in Wolf, 2,528,938, or normal tosuch surface, as in Field, 2,616,69e, or Winter, 2,263,115. The presentinvention is similar to the latter type game in that it utilizes amoving player forming part of a magnetic circuit passing through suchplayer normal to the surface field of the game, but differs therefrom inthat the present invention utilizes a magnetic field emanating from themoving player to complete an electrical circuit.

The object of the present invention is to provide a relatively simpleteam type game in which the moving player piece on one team moves towarda goal until halted by activating an alarm in an electrical circuitclosed by the moving piece.

Another object is to provide a relatively unsophisticated game suitablefor use by human players of even quite tender years in which one teamattempts to move to a goal defended by a second team, and in which theoffensive action is simulated by advancing a player to such goal whilethe defensive action is simulated by interposing scattered, concealedbarriers in the path of such player.

A further object is to provide such a game in which the moving player ismounted on a magnet providing a field normal to the playing surface andsaid barriers comprise pivotably mounted connectors concealed below suchplaying surface, such connectors being both electrically andmagnetically conductive, and being actuable by such offensive playerwhen approximately therebelow to close an electrical circuit includingan alarm member simulating a halt to the advance.

The above and other objects are achieved in the present invention byproviding a structure in the general shape of a rectangular parallepipedof a comparatively broad length and width but small thickness, e.g., oneinch, and thus suitable for use on a folding card table or any tabletop. This structure includes a top member and sides supporting the topfrom the table surface to define a space in which is disposed apivotably mounted member rotatable about a vertical axis, such memberbeing of a nonconductive material such as wood or a lightweight formedplastic.

The top member or panel includes a game surface on which are painted orotherwise impressed markings to indicate a portion of a playing fieldand various auxiliary devices to be described below. This top panelincludes portions defining paths of a material which is electricallyconductive but not magnetically conductive, and for simplicity may beentirely formed of such material, e.g., aluminum.

The rotatable member or wheel is disposed beneath the top panel todefine a vertical gap therewith, and

carries on its upper surface a multiplicity of individually pivotableconnectors terminating a like number of parallel electrical circuitsfrom a battery disposed in a suitable pocket at one side of the gamestructure and grounded to the top panel. These connectors are looselymounted on the wheel surface so that when not activated there is a smallgap from the top of each to the nether side of the top panel, and theyare made of a material which is both electrically and magneticallyconductive. When any connector becomes vertically aligned with amagnetic ball carrier as the latter is moved over the upper surface ofthe top panel, it is picked up by the magnetic attraction of the ballcarrier and contacts the nether surface of the top panel, closing anelectrical circuit which includes an alarm indicating a halt in the ballcarriers advance.

The construction and manner of using the present in vention may be bestunderstood by reference to the enclosed drawing, in which:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view from the top and front of an embodimentof a football game,

FIGURE 2 is a plan view of the embodiment of FIG- URE 1 with the toppanel removed,

FIGURE 3 is a longitudinal vertical section on lines 33 of FIGURES 1 and2, and

FIGURE 4 is a partial vertical section similar to that of FIGURE 3,illustrating the principle of the game.

Referring now to FIGURE 1, it may be seen that the larger part of thegame surface 1 consists of a portion of a football playing field 2 inwhich an offensive team 3 and a defensive team 4 are in proper positionsat a line of scrimmage 5 preparatory to a play, the offensive playersbeing represented by unshaded circles 7 while the defensive players aresimulated by shaded squares 6. 'In the simulated action to be described,none of the defensive players 6 actually move, and they are representedon playing surface 2 by painted or stamped impressions which simplyindicate the positions of the players when play commences, althoughdepressed spots in the playing field may be provided, and miniaturefigures added to furnish a note of realism; the same is true of alloffensive players 7 except that indicated by the circle marked with anX, which is the initial position of the one player piece 8 actuallymoved by the human player cast in the offensive role, the ball carrier.

Below game surface 1 and not visible to either human participant is anon-conductive member or wheel 21 rotatable about axis 23 of pin 22 (SeeFIGURES 2 and 3). The upper surface Zllof rotatable member 21 is spacedfrom the lower surface of top panel 15 to define therewith a gap 16, andaccommodates a plurality of wires 24 secured by eyelets or staples 25leading from a central terminal block 26. Each individual wire 24terminates in a connector 27 which is not constrained against verticalmovement into gap 16, and consists of a material both electrically andmagnetically conductive, e.g., soft 1ron.

Secured to rotatable member or wheel 21 is an arm 39 of like materialextending under top panel 15 and beyond the end 17 thereof addressed bythe human participant assuming the defensive role. Terminal block 26 hasconnected thereto and extending therefrom a flexible main wire 28secured to arm Bit and connected through appropriate eyelets 25 tobattery 21$ which may consist, as shown, of a pair of flashlight cells31 (Lechanche cells). Battery 29 is connected by wire 32 to theplay-halting indicator 33, whichmay consist of a lamp, buzzer or otherindicia of an unusual situation. Indicator 33, in turn, is groundedthrough switch 34- to the top panel 15 at 35 (shown schematically inFIGURE 2). Of course, switch 34 could be located between battery 29 andindicator 33 so that, if the latter is a lamp, it

areasso 3 can be directly grounded to panel 15 through the shell of itsreceptacle.

On one side of top panel 15, various auxiliary devices used in playingthe game are indicated. These include the bal l position field 41,completely miniaturized and including the magnetic marker 42. indicatingthe position of the ball and the magnetic yards-to-first-down marker 43,spinner 44 and circle 45, the various annuli and sectors of which areused with the position of rest of spinner 4-4 to determine by chance theyardage obtained in kickoffs and punts, the success of an attemptedextra point kick, field goals, pass interception runbacks, etc. Alsoincluded are slots used for insertion of appropriate markers as shownindicating the names of the opposing teams together with slots 49 forinsertion of marl ers as shown to indicate points accumulated; fournumbered surface spaces 5t) onto which a magnetic marker 51 is moved tokeep track of the quarter of the game being played; and holes 52indicating the forthcoming down by the position of a peg 53. Top panelis suitably modified in the indicated areas to hold magnetic members 42,43 and 51 in contact, as by adding small steel plates not shown.

As indicated in FIGURE 1 of the drawing, the surface playing field 2 ofthe game includes a multiplicity of paths 9 which may be followed byball carrier 8 after commencing play from his initial position at X.Ball carrier may pursue any of the paths 9 marked with a solid color(unshaded paths 54- being merely to simulate movements of otheroffensive backs), may make a forward pass from any of the positions 12marked with triangles, and may make a lateral pass along any of thedashed paths lit. In making any sort of pass, the action is simulated bylifting ball carrier 8 from the passing position and setting the piecedown in the pass receiving position. Such receiving positions are at theends of the dashed paths it for lateral passes, and for forward passesare the sunburst positions 11. A forward pass from any of the positions12 may be received at any of the receiving positions ii.

The paths 9 and positions ll and 12 for the ball carrier 8 are keyed tothe various defensive postures 38 indicated at the defensive end 17 ofthe playing surface 2; for instance, selection of the defensive positionindicated as pass defense will result in a tackle of player 8 behind theline of scrimmage 5 or an incomplete pass, whereas in a differentdefensive posture (as indicated by the location of arm 3% above thevarious defense positions 18) may allow a completed pass, possibly evena touchdown. Various structures for constraining the moving player 8 tosuch paths are possible, varying from a simple rule against liftingplayer d from contact with surface 2 0r deviating from the painted paths9 to an interlock whereby such departures are not possible, but it isnoteworthy that the game may be played without use of the prescribedpaths so long as the moving player 8 is moving to retain sliding contactwith playing surface 2 except when passing. An infinite number ofvariations are thus possible, and the greater freedom accorded theoffensive team 3 by such lack of constraint may be offset by providing alarger number of connectors 27. Paths 9 may also be offset below thelevel of game surface 2 (by appropriately casting or stamping the entiretop panel.

FIGURES 2 and 3 illustrate the structure involved in the game,consisting essentially of top panel 15, supporting side rails 13, wheel21 rotatable on pin 22 and bottom panel li. Bottom panel 14 is notentirely necessary, as pin 22 may be supported from top panel 15, butcon veniently adds structural rigidity. Connectors 2'7 are shown on thetop surface 2d of rotatable mern er 21 with connecting wires 24, andterminal block 26 and main wire 23.

FlGURE 4 indicates ball carrier 8 engaging a connector 27 in playhalting position. Connector 27 consists of a material conductive toelectricity and conductive to magnetic flux, though preferably not apermanently magnetizable material. Top panel 15 is composed of an eectrically conductive material which is non-magnetic, e.g., aluminum,but it is sufficient if its under surface 19 has such characteristicswhile the balance of its thickness is non-magnetic. If only surface 1%is electrically conductive, the wire lead from switch is, of course,grounded to the nether surface 19 of top pane 15. When ball carrier 8 isaligned approximately directly over a connector 27, it lifts suchconnector from its inactivated position 2 7 shown in phantom and holdsit in contact with nether surface 19 of top panel 15, thereby closingthe electrical circuit and causing indicator 33 to light or buzz, etc.,and bringing the play to a halt.

In playing the game, the defensive player first selects his defensivestrategy by moving arrn Bill to the desired intersection with one of thedefensive positions 1%, in the course of which wheel 21 is rotated tobring connectors 2'7 into divers positions beneath paths h over whichthe defensive players anticipates movement by ball carrier S. Theselected defense is screened from the view of the offensive player bycollapsible shield 36. Ordinarily no change in defensive strategy bymovement of arm 3% is permitted after the play has commenced, though ofcourse this is largely a matter of rules to be agreed on by theparticipants.

The kickoff is simulated by flicking the spinner 44-, and the ball isadvanced the yardage indicated by the final position of the spinnerabove the appropriate sector and annulus of circle 45. Thereafter theoffensive participant moves ball carrier 8 from initial position X asindicated above until halted by activation of indicator 33 or untiladvanced to the defensive end 17 of playing field 2., which indicates atouchdown. Marker 42 on small field ii is used to indicate the ballposition, marker 43 to indicate yardage needed for a first down, and amarker as shown is inserted in one of holes 52 to keep track of thedowns.

Assuming no touchdown, the first play after the kickoff runback iscommenced by the defensive participant selecting his strategy and thenceby the offensive player moving ball carrier 8 over one of the paths 9until stopped. Play continues in like manner, if no touchrown isobtained, so long as the offensive participant continues to advance 10yards in each 4 plays following a first down. Should he fail to advancethus, the ball passes to the other side and the human participantschange positions. The goals on the score-keeping field 41 remain thesame, and the team now in possession of the ball attempts to storm hisadversarys position.

The triangles 12 on ball carrier paths 9' are the positions from whichball carrier 8 may initiate a forward pass, simulated by lifting player8 from such position 12 and setting it down in any of the pass receivingpositions ll marked with sunbursts. Should player 8 be tackled (asindicated by operation of indicator 33) between initial position and oneof the passing positions 12, it is a simple tackle with the indicatedloss of yardage, whereas a tackle directly on a position 12 may be takenas either a tackle or an attempted but incomplete forward pass, asdetermined by spinner 44 and wheel 45. A play-halting indicationimmediately upon setting player 3 in one of the pass-receiving positions11 may similarly be construed as a tackle immediately upon completing apass, an intercepted pass, or an incomplete pass. in this event, anannulus of circle 45 may be divided into sectors for tackles, incompletepasses and intercepted passes, the sectors for the (latter alsoindicating the yardage gained in the opposite direction by theintercepting defensive player before being tackled. Of course, aftersuch interception and runback, providid the intercepting player does notscore a touchdown, the human participants change roles and reverse theboard with respect to themselves.

Lateral passes may be made over any of the dashed paths ill, but only inthe directions indicated by the arrows.

Again player 8 is jumped from one position to the other, i.e., the endsof path on adjacent paths 9', and the same rules may be applied asoutlined above for forward passes.

It should be noted that in the particular construction shown the playingfield 2 is greater than its width, and that rotatable member 21 isextended to cover the difference by adding irregular portion 38 tocircular portion 37. One extreme position of both such portions areshown by solid lines in FIGURE 4, together with the \like extremeposition of arm 3%, and the other extreme positions of all such membersare shown therein by dashed lines and prime reference characters. Ofcourse, the necessity for an irregular rotatable portion 38 can belargely eliminated by the use of a more nearly square playing field.

Broadly, the present invention comprises a game in which the advance ofa moving player providing a magnetic field normal to an electricallyconductive but nonmagnetic playing surface is interrupted by anindicator in an electrical circuit including such indicator, suchsurface, and a multiplicity of pivotably mounted connector membersdisposed beneath such playing surface, such connectors being bothmagnetically and electrically conductive and normally not in contactwith the playing surface but zactuable by the field of such movingplayer to contact such surface to close the electrical circuit andactuate such indicator. Many variations are possible, e.g., providingonly electrical strips on the nether surface of the playing field memberleading from terminals above each connector to a common connection withthe battery terminal (switch and indicator) to close the electricalcircuit, hence the invention should not be limited except as in theappended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. A football game including a non-magnetic opaque top panel, arotatable member mounted therebelow to define therewith a vertical gap,a multiplicity of connector members disposed in said gap for rotation incommon with said rotatable member and in spaced relationship from thenether surface of said top panel, each said conhector being bothelectrically and magnetically conductive and being electricallyconnected to one end of a normally open series circuit including abattery and indicating means, and a player piece movable across theupper surface of said top panel and providing a magnetic field extendingnormally therethrough and therebelow, each of said connectors beingmounted for vertical movement and being actuable for such movement bysaid player piece when approximately vertically aligned therebelow tobring said connector into contact with said nether surface, at least thenether surface of said top panel being electrically conductive andconnected to the other end of each said series circuit to close the samethrough the actuated connector, said battery and said indicating means,and said rotatable member including a portion accessible to one of thehuman participants for rotating said member and thereby repositioningsaid connectors with respect to said top panel.

2. The game of claim 1 in which said top panel is made of anon-magnetic, electrically conductive material.

3. The game of claim 1 in which the upper surface of said top panel hasmarked thereon a number of alternate paths which may be pursued by saidplayer piece in moving across the upper surface of said top panel.

4. The game of claim 2 in which the upper surface of said top panel hasmarked thereon a number of alter- Inate paths which may be pursued bysaid player piece in moving across the upper surface of said top panel.

5. The game of claim 1 in which said top panel is made primarily of anelectrically non-conductive material, the conductive nether surface ofsaid panel being formed by a coating of conductive material.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS1,555,290 Johnson Sept. 29, 1925 2,263,115 Winter Nov. 18, 19412,3303951 Burmester et al Oct. 5, 1943 2,528,938 Wolf Nov. 7, 1950"2,316,696 Field Nov. 4, 1952 2,872,966 Kerwin Feb. 24, 1959 2,961,238Waldrop Nov. 22, 1960

1. A FOOTBALL GAME INCLUDING A NON-MAGNETIC OPAQUE TOP PANEL, AROTATABLE MEMBER MOUNTED THEREBELOW TO DEFINE THEREWITH A VERTICAL GAP,A MULTIPLICITY OF CONNECTOR MEMBERS DISPOSED IN SAID GAP FOR ROTATION INCOMMON WITH SAID ROTATABLE MEMBER AND IN SPACED RELATIONSHIP FROM THENETHER SURFACE OF SAID TOP PANEL, EACH SAID CONNECTOR BEING BOTHELECTRICALLY AND MAGNETICALLY CONDUCTIVE AND BEING ELECTRICALLYCONNECTED TO ONE END OF A NORMALLY OPEN SERIES CIRCUIT INCLUDING ABATTERY AND INDICATING MEANS, AND A PLAYER PIECE MOVABLE ACROSS THEUPPER SURFACE OF SAID TOP PANEL AND PROVIDING A MAGNETIC FIELD EXTENDINGNORMALLY THERETHROUGH AND THEREBELOW, EACH OF SAID CONNECTORS BEINGMOUNTED FOR VERTICAL MOVEMENT AND BEING ACTUABLE FOR SUCH MOVEMENT BYSAID PLAYER PIECE WHEN APPROXIMATELY VERTICALLY ALIGNED THEREBELOW TOBRING SAID CONNECTOR INTO CONTACT WITH SAID NETHER SURFACE, AT LEAST THENETHER SURFACE OF SAID TOP PANEL BEING ELECTRICALLY CONDUCTIVE ANDCONNECTED TO THE OTHER END OF EACH SAID SERIES CIRCUIT TO CLOSE THE SAMETHROUGH THE ACTUATED CONNECTOR, SAID BATTERY AND SAID INDICATING MEANS,AND SAID ROTATABLE MEMBER INCLUDING A PORTION ACCESSIBLE TO ONE OF THEHUMAN PARTICIPANTS FOR ROTATING SAID MEMBER AND THEREBY REPOSITIONINGSAID CONNECTORS WITH RESPECT TO SAID TOP PANEL.